As globalization has been surfacing, the need to study a common language which is English is prevalent and is getting more and more inevitable. It is complex to put into figures as to how many English language learners want to speak English in conversational level, knowing that day by day the number of them keeps increasing.
Many non-native English speakers have the desire to learn English but do not know how to start. What is daunting is to find not just a good English teacher but also passionate and sincere. That is never an easy task, indeed.
In addition, the cost of learning is also an important factor to consider whenever they want to start learning English. Some English language learners are still stuck in that old-fashioned mentality that they can solely learn English from native English speakers to be specific like American, English, Kiwi, Australian, Irish, to name a few. It is undeniable that if you want to learn the English language from these nationalities, it will cost you an arm and a leg. So why not giving a shot to Filipino English teachers then?
Let me tell you some reasons why Filipino teachers are worth a choice.
First, as you may not know, English is the official language of the Philippines (the country where Filipinos come from). The president, senate members, legislators, and some barangay (village) leaders are using English on their speeches and in writing official documents. Interestingly, lawmakers are eloquent enough of the English language in debating some bills before creating them as laws. So, how could that happen knowing that they are non-native English speakers?
Let us check the education system in the Philippines as our second reason. The Philippine education system is highly comparable to that of Western education. English is the medium of instruction in all subjects except the Filipino subject. So when I say the medium of instruction that means subjects like Math, English, Science, Chemisty, World Literature, and a lot more are solely taught in English language by Filipino teachers. Unlike most Asian countries like Japan, Korea, China among others, they use their mother tongue to learn those subjects and what is more fascinating is that they learn English by using their national language. Surely, that will perplex a lot of native English speakers the way Japanese, Koreans, and Chinese learn English.
Just in case you are wondering why Filipinos use English as their medium of instruction when they do have their own language which is Filipino, well, let me address that. The Philippines was colonized by the United States of America for nearly 50 years. During the colonization, Americans forced defenseless Filipinos to learn English. American culture had ingrained then. It was one effective way to make Filipinos Americanized. So it is no wonder why majority of Filipinos speak English fluently even up to now.
Another reason as to why learning English from Filipino English teachers is noteworthy and convincing--- the birth of BPO (Business Process Outsourcing) companies. BPO companies like call centers from Western countries have invested in the Philippines. By far, it generated a revenue of nearly $30 billion last year in the country and it has created for almost a million jobs. It goes without saying that Filipinos are well educated in terms of the English language. If those Western countries have enormous confidence on the English language skills among Filipinos, then why cannot second language learners trust Filipino English teachers to teach them?
The last but not the least, there is nothing better than the patience and passion among Filipino teachers. They are renowned globally as dedicated teachers. As to teaching English to Asian students, they can surely empathize the struggle that the second language learners are experiencing, simply because like them they learn English as well and not acquiring it naturally like native English speakers do. They know how to cope with the predicaments in learning English.
One more thing, wherever you go there are Filipino teachers working in every continent. Some may not be teaching the English subject but they are teaching academic subjects with the use of the common language which is English.
Very good information here. I have been to the Philippines several times, met many, many fluent English speakers. Not to mention working with Filipinos overseas.
Definitely, many Filipinos are qualified to teach English, and people really should consider them as good teachers.
I say this as a native English speaker. Good post!
Many thanks @mmo-mmo for believing that Filipinos are good teachers. I really hope that many English learners opt to learn English from Filipinos.
Globalization started when people travel from one place to another for a variety of reason. Good choice of topic though. The Philippines is the fast-growing non-Western country in terms of English Speaking jobs. I, for one, has worked in an ESL company once though the pay was not good. 😂
@gailbelga I couln’t agree more. I guess Filipino ESL teachers are not paid enough because of the thought that they’re not native English speakers, it’s disheartening to know that eventhough teachers have undergone training & acquired TESOL or IELTS certs, still they are paid low because of that darn idea “not native”. Some international companies consider the race first over skills.
Proud Filipino here! =)
I love your blog po.
Daghang salamat Kabayan! ^^
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